Tuesday 11 March 2003
Scientists from one of Europe’s leading cancer charities, The Institute of Cancer Research, are visiting a local school during National Science Week to give pupils a science lesson with a difference.
The scientists are meeting students from Carshalton Boys School to explain what cancer is, what The Institute is doing to fight the disease, and what as young men, the pupils should be doing to ensure they stay healthy.
Institute scientist Lindsay Johnson says “It’s great to meet with the students and to discuss what cancer is, what they can do to reduce their risk of getting it, and how, as young men, they should be regularly checking themselves for any lumps that may indicate testicular cancer.”
The Institute scientists are leading the fight against cancer, from exploring genetic and environmental causes of the disease to new treatments and drug discovery. They hope to use their experience to tell students about the opportunities that exist to work within the scientific field, and how one day their chosen careers could benefit us all.
Carshalton Boys School is based very close to The Institute’s site in Sutton. Head teacher Simon Barber says, “Schools always appreciate every opportunity that outside agencies provide in raising awareness of social and health issues, and we’d like to thank the Institute of Cancer Research for taking the time to enhance our student’s cancer awareness.
The Institute of Cancer Research has been working with CSV (Community Service Volunteers) to develop the programme of volunteering opportunities as part of CSV’s Community Partner’s Network. Peter Hayes from CSV says 'This is a replicable model of partnership, innovative in its blending of knowledge of life chances and expectations with volunteering and active citizenship.'
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For more information, please contact:
The Institute of Cancer Research
Tel: 020 7153 5359
email: [email protected]
Notes to editors
- The Institute of Cancer Research is a centre of excellence with some of the world’s leading scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
- CSV’s Community Partners Network, of which The Institute of Cancer Research is a member, is a national network providing support for universities and colleges in England to access and develop volunteering opportunities. For more information and an application form call Elaine Slater-Simmons on tel 020 7643 1311.
- CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK’s leading volunteer organisation and creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their community through volunteering, training and community action. Each year 120,000 people give nearly one million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV.
Please note:
Unfortunately the press office are unable to answer queries from the general public. For general cancer information please refer to The Institute's cancer information page.